PSC to hold ‘smart grid’ technical conference in Albany

The state Public Service Commission will hold a conference June 11 in Albany that will look at developing and installing so-called smart grid technologies across the state.

The PSC defines “smart grid” as the application of digital technologies that modernize and automate transmission and distribution to respond to outages or other disturbances, allow greater use of various energy sources including renewable energy, and provide a means for customers to monitor and control their use of energy to minimize costs.

For example, retail electricity prices might vary with demand, with prices typically cheaper at night. That in turn might encourage homeowners to run the dishwasher or perform other energy-intensive tasks then, smoothing demand on the overall grid.

“With the goal of enhancing our state’s power system and empowering customers with more information and the ability to control their energy costs, comes the responsibility to ensure that large expenditures for the deployment of smart grid are in the public interest,” said PSC Chairman Garry Brown. “Therefore, the upcoming technical conference presents an important and timely opportunity for the commission to listen to, and discuss with, government and industry experts the myriad of issues related to the deployment and management of smart grid technology.”

The conference will be held in the 19th floor boardroom of the PSC’s Albany office from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The conference will be webcast.

One Response

Eric: is there any reason at all why anybody should be skeptical of the “smartgrid” being deployed? Sounds like you didn’t find anything.

PS: I’m too stupid to turn off my lights. Do you think the government could control my energy usage for me? I was also addicted to trans fats so I’m grateful I don’t have have access to good cake anymore. I don’t like to think for myself. Thanks.